Charlotte’s Third Quarter Collapse and LaMelo Ball's OT Absence Overshadow a Career Night from Kon Knueppel.

At this point in the season, one probably would have predicted that a star out of Duke would be the heavy favorite to win NBA Rookie of the Year, just not the Blue Devil that currently holds that spot. Kon Knueppel continues to dazzle as he went off for 32 points in front of his hometown of Milwaukee tonight.

Knueppel had about 2,000 of his family and friends in attendance tonight and he didn't disappoint. This was also after having the entire Hornets team come over to his parents house for dinner, last night. It had been a special homecoming for Knueppel.

Unfortunately, those good vibes would fall just short as the Hornets were not able to hang on to a 69-61 lead that they had built over the Bucks in the first half.  Third quarter meltdowns have been something that have plagued the Hornets for much of this young NBA season. Miles Bridges even brought it up after the Lakers loss earlier in the week.

Even with the collapse, Charlotte fought back late. With about 40 seconds to go in regulation Miles Bridges drove in for a slam, the ball ricocheted off the rim and right to a wide open Kon Knueppel on the wing from three. Nothing but net in his hometown. 

However, once OT started, a new issue emerged: LaMelo Ball did not play a single second. This was Lamelo's first game back from an ankle injury that kept him out for five straight games. It left fans baffled at what Charles Lee was doing. That has become a common theme this year.

Without him, the Hornets’ offense stalled. The Bucks rolled in OT and that was that. Kyle Kuzma looked like a stud for Milwaukee finishing with 29 points. Giannis who returned tonight had 25.

Charlotte leaves Milwaukee with mixed emotions: the excitement of Knueppel’s rise, but the frustration of another third-quarter collapse. For Charlotte fans, it's the confusion of another late lineup decision by Charles Lee and if there's something bigger at play with Lamelo Ball behind the scenes.

The Hornets have the Oklahoma City Thunder already waiting for them back in Charlotte as they gear up for a back to back.